As is always the case, this term has been a very busy one once again. We were pleased with the Year 11 GCSE Examination results in the summer and it was a real testament to the hard work of the pupils and staff that so many pupils achieved excellent individual results.

A variety of activities have taken place this term ranging from sporting activities, expressive arts projects, charity events, trips, educational guest speakers, pupil voice activities to name but a few. We had our Harvest Service in October. Mrs Judy Harris led the service, and the children and families were incredibly generous with their donations of non-perishable foods. The local foodbank was extremely grateful for the donations. The children loved singing the Harvest songs and they especially enjoyed having a small piece of the ‘Sharing Bread’. Afterall, Harvest is a time to be thankful and to share what we have with others.  On a similar note, Years 7 and 8 organised gifts for the ‘Mister X appeal’ again this year which provides gifts for deserving children and their families.  It is lovely to see their generosity.

Our primary phase pupils performed their Christmas concerts to a packed theatre all week. The pupils were outstanding and it is also important to recognise the support of the staff and parents who assisted the children with learning lines, songs and providing costumes. Pupils who are new to the school have settled in really well and Year 7 certainly benefit from the extensive transition programme that is provided each year. Drama pupils performed a Fire Safety Theatre in Education piece for the Local Authority Operation BANG project as part of the transition programme. This was well received and helped to send an important message to our younger pupils. We now also have 15 trained year 10 peer mentors; the pupils work on rota system working from the library and are available daily to support and guide KS3 pupils.

Return to school – I would like to remind parents and guardians that Monday 8th January is an INSET Day for staff. All pupils will therefore return to school on Tuesday 9th January 2024.

It was a real priveledge yesterday to get a special visit from Santa who took time out of his very busy schedule this time time of the year to visit the boys and girls in the primary phase. He also brought along a few of his friends!! As you can imagine, the children were really excited to see him (as were the staff it has to be said!!)

I would like to thank all parents, pupils, staff and governors for their continued support and wish everybody a lovely festive break. I look forward to seeing everybody in the New Year.

Nadolig Llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda

Richard Rees

Headteacher

As half-term approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to thank pupils, staff, parents and carers for their continued support. It has been a busy eight-week half-term and I know everybody is looking forward to re-charging their batteries. All pupils will return to school on Monday 6^th November.

In the Primary Phase, we have had the Harvest Festival and we would like to thank everybody for their kind donations. Pupils also enjoyed a Halloween Disco this week. This is a lovely time of the year with Halloween and Bonfire Night to look forward to but we have also been keen to stress again this year the importance of keeping safe during these events. YBB pupils put together a show entitled ‘Operation Bang’ which was shown to Year 6 pupils from YBB as well as our cluster schools. Agencies such as the Police and Fire Service were also in attendance to reinforce the key safety messages.

Sports activities and fixtures have also taken place throughout the half-term and numbers attending a variety of clubs are really good. Although some tournaments etc take place during the school day, many matches take place on the school site or other schools after school. We are always happy to see parents, carers and family members attend to watch the children and give support but I would ask please that all parents and carers conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Any form of verbal or physical abuse towards pupils, staff or other supporters is totally unacceptable. Whilst instances of this are very rare, any evidence of inappropriate behaviour will result in action being taken by the school. It would be a shame if the school had to stop parents watching matches, but ultimately our priority has to be the safety of pupils.

Have a nice half-term break.

Richard Rees

Headteacher/Prifathro

Parking

I would like to thank people for their undertsanding and co-operation regarding parking in the rear car park this week. It is much appreciated as ultimately we want to ensure a safe environment for pupils and staff at the start and end of the school day. On that note, can I remind parents/carers that there are parking restrictions on the Afandale estate opposite the front of the school. We received a number of complaints yesterday that an emergency services vehicle was unable to gain access to the estate due to cars being parked inappropriately. Whilst I appreciate that parking around the school is difficult, please be mindful of the parking restrictions. The Police and Local Authority have been made aware of residents’ concerns. I would also ask that parents/carers do not park up against the school gates as emergency services need access at all times.

INSET Day

A reminder again that next Friday is an INSET day which will be a joint cluster training day with our cluster primary schools and will focus on progression in the Curriculum for Wales.

Neath Port Talbot College Awards Eveving

I had the pleasure of attending the Neath Port Talbot College Awards last night. It was lovely to see an ex-pupil of the school receive the award in the Mathematics category. Max achieved an incredible 99% in the A2 examinations. A truly outstanding achievement. Max is now going on to study at Bath University.

Richard Rees

Headteacher/Prifathro

Pupils have completed two weeks of the Autumn Term and hopefully Year 7 pupils in particular have become accustomed to the two-week timetable. Thankfully, the weather has been a lot cooler this week and pupils have been able to return to their full school uniform. I would like to thank pupils and parents for this as the majority of pupils have worn the appropriate uniform. However, could I remind you that PE kit should not be worn to school or tracksuit bottoms unless appropriate adjustments have been discussed and agreed with school.

Extra-Curricular Activities

It has been lovely to see clubs and sporting fixtures start up again in earnest this week. I had the pleasure of watching rugby and netball fixtures last night. The number of pupils getting involved in the school’s extra-curricular activities is really encouraging. Please look out for notices and announcements in order to get involved as there is a very wide choice. Keep an eye out also on our social media channels as I know the PE Department in particular post lots of updates and pictures throughout the week.

School Environment

A lot of work was carried out on the school site during the summer holiday and perhaps the most striking was the new mural in Lower School Reception. We have Mr John from the Art Department to thank for that. Having spoken to the pupils about what they would like represented in the mural, he produced this beautiful piece which has been warmly received by all that have seen it so far. Diolch Mr John and the pupils who assisted you.

Parking on Site

The car park at the front of the school is open throughout the day but it is locked between the following times for safeguarding purposes as pupils, parents, staff etc are entering or leaving school.

• 8:15 a.m.- 8:45 a.m.
• 2:40 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

If people are parked inside between these times could I remind you that car engines should be off and cars stationary until senior staff instruct cars to move when the gates are being re-opened. I would also recommend that parents and pupils use the pavements and where possible avoid walking in the car park area please.

The rear car park is designated for school staff and transport vehicles for pupils in our Learning Support Centre. The barrier has now been repaired so I would again kindly ask that parents/carers do not enter the site at the start and end of the day unless a pass has been agreed with the school. The drop-off area for pupils being transported by parents/carers remains by the double gates where pupils are met by support staff.

INSET Day

Finally, a reminder that the school will be closed to pupils on Friday 29^th September.

Mr Richard Rees

Headteacher/Prifathro

Welcome Back

It has been lovely to see all our pupils return to school this week. In thirty years, I cannot remember a first week back in school where the weather has been as warm as it has been this week. This in its own way has presented challenges so I would like to thank the staff and pupils for adapting to the situation this week. Pupils new to the school appear to have settled in really well, particularly our new Year 7 cohort who have had to get used to the building, finding their way around, a two-week timetable, meeting lots of new members of staff and pupils etc. All the pupils should be very proud of themselves and I am sure they will find it easier as the weeks progress.

Attendance

I have been greatly encouraged by the level of attendance at the start of term. Attendance has been 93% overall in both the Primary and Secondary Phase. It is vitally important that high levels of pupil attendance are maintained in order for pupils to fulfil their academic potential as well as provide appropriate pastoral support where necessary. Research shows a strong correlation between high attendance and pupils’ wellbeing and academic achievement so please can you ensure maximum attendance for your child throughout the year.

Uniform

The pupils looked splendid in their uniforms coming to school on Monday and I thank parents for adhering to the school’s Uniform Policy. Due to the exceptionally hot weather, we decided to move to the summer uniform/PE kit and again on the whole pupils have attended in the appropriate uniform. The weather is set to change next week and temperatures are due to be in line with normal temperatures for this time of year. I therefore would ask that all pupils attend from Monday 11^th September in full school uniform.

Photographs

Can I remind pupils and parents in Year 7 & 9 that school photographs are being taken on Monday 11^th September. A timetable for taking photographs has been produced which means that there should be minimal disruption for pupils.

Home School Agreement

We have used registration and assembly time this week to remind pupils of the school’s expectations with a clear message of being Ready, Safe and Respectful. This is linked to our Home School Agreement which can be found here. I would kindly ask that parents/carers take some time to look at this and if possible, discuss with pupils. The link between school and home is important and one that we value. Please use Satchel One, which is our online platform and provides a direct link between school and parents/carers.

Practice Fire Drill

In line with safeguarding procedures, we held a practice fire drill on Friday 8^th September. Pupils had been made aware of their muster points at the start of the week. Pupils conducted themselves very sensibly during the evacuation process so well done.

GCSE Examinations

Please avoid booking family holidays during the school term as absences naturally impact adversely on pupils’ learning. Unfortunately, we have had occasions when holidays have been booked during the school term that have also clashed with GCSE exams, these cannot be re-arranged for another date.  Please note that on 13th and 15th of November, Year 11 pupils will be sitting their GCSE Mathematics exams, and in May/June 2024 both Year 10 and Year 11 will be sitting GCSE exams. As soon as WJEC have finalised the Summer 24 Examination Timetable it will be posted in the Pupil section on our school website.

I hope everybody has a relaxing weekend and makes the most of the lovely weather!!

Mr Richard Rees

Headteacher

We have had another busy term which started with the annual school production of “Little Shop of Horrors”. Everybody involved in the production was superb and it was great to see the community come together to pack out the Michael Sheen Theatre over three nights with standing ovations the order of the day. The Summer Term is dominated by GCSE Exam season and both Year 10 and Year 11 conducted themselves very well during the exams. We await the results in August and hope that Year 11 have a relaxing summer and get the results that allow them to access whatever route they have planned from September. On that note, GCSE Results Day is on Thursday 24^th August. Arrangements for collection have been issued by Mr Williams and can be found on the school website. It was also nice to see so many Year 11 pupils join us for the Leavers Assembly recently and Celebration Evening in The Manor Park.

Pupils across all phases have enjoyed a variety of school trips in recent weeks as well as wellbeing events. Unfortunately, rain stopped the primary phase sports day taking place although Year 7 & 8 had a little more luck with theirs!! Another highlight this term has been the awarding of our second Green Flag. The time and effort that goes into securing the award shouldn’t be underestimated and involves pupils of all ages. Our sports teams have also preformed really well this term with a number of students earning county and international recognition. Our Year 9 netball team were crowned County Netball Champions. Well done all.

I would like to highlight a few things in readiness for September:

Return to School

Autumn Term begins on Friday 1^st September. This will be an INSET Day as usual.

All pupils will return to school on Monday 4^th September (except for Nursery pupils)

School Timings

Foundation Phase

7:50 -8:30 a.m.	Breakfast Club (No entry after 8:10 a.m.)
8:30-8:50 a.m.	Registration
8:50-10:20 a.m.	Session 1
10:20-10:40 a.m.	Break
10:40-12:00 p.m.	Session 2
12:00-12:50 p.m.	Lunch
12:50-3:00 p.m.	Session 3
3:00-4:00 p.m.	Enrichment

Key Stage 2

7:50 -8:30 a.m.	Breakfast Club (No entry after 8:10 a.m.)
8:30-8:50 a.m.	Registration
8:50-10:40 a.m.	Session 1
10:40-11:00 a.m.	Break
11:00-12:30 p.m.	Session 2
12:30-1:20 p.m.	Lunch
1:20-3:00 p.m.	Session 3
3:00-4:00 p.m.	Enrichment

Secondary Phase (Year 7-11)

8:00 -8:30 a.m.	Breakfast Club
8:30-8:55 a.m.	Registration
8:55-9:55 a.m.	Lesson 1
9:555-10:55 a.m.	Lesson 2
10:55-11:10 a.m.	Break
11:10-12:10 p.m.	Lesson 3
12:10-1:10 p.m.	Lesson 4
1:10-1:55 p.m.	Lunchtime
1:55-2:55 p.m.	Lesson 5
2:55-3:55 p.m.	Enrichment

Attendance & Punctuality

It is really important that pupils attend school as much as possible. If for any reason, they are unable to attend school please contact school to report absence. As highlighted above, the school day in secondary phase starts at 8:30 with registration. This is an important part of the day and I would urge pupils to be on time.

Uniform

I have communicated several times throughout the year the importance of school uniform. Pupils will be expected to wear uniform in line with the school’s Uniform Policy in September. PE kit should not be worn unless instructed by the Headteacher.

School Dinners

Due to a significant rise in the price of food costs, we have had to increase the price of food in our canteen. As a result, from 1^st September, the cost of our set meal in secondary phase will be £2.90.

Staff Leaving

It is that time of the year when we say farewell to some members of staff. After long and distinguished careers, the following staff members are retiring:

• Mr Hayward (Maths Department)
• Dr Willis (Science Department)
• Miss Prescott (ALNCO)

I am sure you will join me in wishing them all the best in their retirement. In addition, Mr Larkman (Art Department) is leaving to take up the post of Head of Art in Coedcae School in Carmarthenshire. Again, we wish him all the best in his new venture.

I would like to thank parents and carers again for their continued support of the school and to wish you all a relaxing summer holiday. We look forward to welcoming all our pupils back in September.

Diolch yn fawr iawn

Mr Rees

Headteacher

In response to the latest weather reports we have considered changes to our uniform requirements outlined in the letter below.

https://cdnfiles.j2bloggy.com/36504_b/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LetterUniformJune2023.pdf

Half-Term Highlights

It has been another busy half-term!!

Year 11 have commenced their GCSE Examinations. Attendance and attitude to date has been excellent and I am sure they will continue to work hard over the coming weeks. Likewise, Year 10 pupils have sat some of their GCSE Examination units, which will stand them in good stead for next year.

The term started with our school production of “Little Shop of Horrors” which was a resounding success once again and showcased the immense amount of talent at YBB.

The Year 11 boys football team were crowned the Welsh Schools FA Champions 22/23 beating Abersychan in a nailbiting penalty shootout. I was delighted to attend the recent Aberavon Schools Under 15s rugby presentation. A number of pupils have also been selected for representative teams at county and international level.

The whole school came together to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III

Green Flag -we were informed this week that the school has been awarded its second Green Flag. This is a testament to the hard work carried out by the Eco Committees led by Mrs Bhambra and Miss Stead. The pupils were a credit to the school and they certainly lead by example.

I would remind you again to follow the school’s website, Twitter account etc for that all the news, events, pictures as it is updated regularly.

Uniform

I would like to thank parents for their support regarding uniform. We shared concerns about some of the uniform being worn this week and whilst I appreciate that it has been warmer, the wearing of crocs, sliders and hotpants is not part of the school uniform policy. As in previous years, we will review the weather after half-term and decide whether or not to revert to the summer uniform which is the school’s PE uniform or normal school uniform. If this is the case, I will communicate this to parents and carers. We will continue to monitor the standrad of uniform after half-term particularly the wearing of branded tracksuits and leggings which are again not part of the uniform policy.

Parking

I also appreciate that parking around the school site is not easy at the start and end of the school day but I need to remind you that the school gates are closed for safeguarding purposes between 8:15-8:45 a.m. and 2:40-3:10 p.m. If you are parked on the site between these times, please ensure that your engine is off and only proceed to the gates when instructed by the senior member of staff on duty. Additionally, please do not park on the grass verges outside or close to the locked gates. The Emergency Services have raised concerns about this as they need to access the site in the event of an emergency. Finally, can I remind you to respct the residents of Afandale and avoid parking on the estate.

I hope that everybody has a relaxing half-term break and that the sunny weather of late continues!! All pupils return to school on Monday 5th June.

Mr Rees

Headteacher/Prifathro